Frostbite Rooster

[Chucker66]

Reuben, my Australorp rooster got frostbite pretty bad on his comb and waddles and possibly his feet. He seems pretty lethargic but still eating and drinking, just not crowing or coming at me when I go in the coop. We had temps as low as -40 (actual temp) Jan 24 and 25 but he is the only one who got it out of my 25 chickens. I have a rabbit hutch in my basement and I am wondering if I should bring him in.
A couple of concerns:
1. He would be going from some pretty cold temps (22 above today) and into a 60 degree basement. Would that be hard on him?
2. If it takes 4 to 6 weeks to heal, the temps are still pretty cool in March in NW Wis. What's the best way to acclimate him back to cool weather? Or just keep him in until its warmer out (Might not be able to if he starts crowing again LOL)
3. Re-introducing him to the flock? I have a 2nd rooster (Australorp too) but he is smaller and just coming into his own. He just stared crowing about a month ago.
I have read some of the other threads on Frostbite and I think I could leave him but I don't want him getting worse.

Thoughts?

Chuck

 

[Eggcessive]

When you get time, it would be good to see pictures of the frostbitten comb, wattles and feet. Don’t handle or massage any frostbitten area, and leave them alone. If his feet or any toes are frostbitten, those can self amputate in a few weeks. Combs and wattles usually heal on their own, and may become smaller.

 

[Chucker66]

Ok I will get some pics He has has frostbite before on his comb and was fine. He's just not acting like his usual ornery self.

 

[red horse ranch]

it is very painful for him. That's why he seems lethargic. Last winter my Cream Legbar had a very bad frostbitten comb. I brought him in the house and kept him in a large dog cage until the weather moderated a little. I also put pure aloe on his comb very gently. After a week or so he went back to the henhouse and finished healing. He did lose a few tips on his comb but he recovered nicely. If he is left out in those bitter cold temps there will be even more frostbite on the exposed areas. And his feet may get worse. At least that is my opinion. My rooster had no problem rejoining the flock.

 

[Chucker66]

Here is poor Reuben.

 

[red horse ranch]

His comb has some pretty bad spots but I think they will heal ok. His feet are what would worry me. But it does look really painful. If he were mine I would bring him in for a few days. It looks like it is still pretty cold in Wisconsin.
My rooster came in to a 70 degree office and he did just fine.

 

[Eggcessive]

I can’t tell much about his feet, but the toes may be swollen. Are they looking swollen? The toes on his left foot look somewhat frostbitten. His wattles and comb will definitely become smaller and rounded off. His wattles look painful and swollen.

 

[red horse ranch]

From what I can see of his toes I think he could lose some skin on his toes, but they don't look terrible. It just looks like surface frostbite. Which I'm sure it still hurts. Main thing is just to keep it from getting worse.

 

[Chucker66]

His feet are dark to begin with so it is hard for me to tell. I am going to bring him in for a few days and see how he does.

 

[Chucker66]

He's inside for awhile Should be comfy in the rabbit hutch. I'll keep updating his progress. Thanks for the advice.